actual

Albany is the capital of New York is an example of an actual bit of information.

actual

existing in reality or in fact; not merely possible, but real; as it really is: the actual cost of the dam

existing at present or at the time

Origin of actual

Middle English ; from Late Latin actualis, active, practical ; from Classical Latin actus: see act

actual

adjective

a. Existing in reality and not potential, possible, simulated, or false: The actual damages were less than first reported. In the actual test, the mechanism did not work as the computer model predicted. See Synonyms at real1.

b. Based on fact: The actual history of the voyage is different from the popular accounts.

Conforming to the characteristics of a group or type; typical: Is he an actual doctor or a fake?

Origin of actual

Middle English, from Old French, active, from Late Latin actualis, from Latin actus, past participle of agere, to drive, do; see ag- in Indo-European roots.

actual

Adjective

(not comparable)

Existing in act or reality, not just potentially; really acted or acting; occurring in fact.